admin @ Tue, 2005-10-25 09:46
The council candidates were asked about rezoning parts of the Interstate Highway 35/80 corridor from office and business park development to retail.
Forbes said he's interested to see the report from the two consultants hired to explore the feasibility of retail in those areas and hopes that study will answer key questions.
"Is there a need, and will that need impact businesses?" he asked.
For Getter, the questions being raised provided support for his quest to update the comprehensive plan to reflect community needs.
Some of the areas being examined are better suited for retail because they aren't near homes, Pogge said, but it's a tougher decision to put retail near property owners.
"Keep in mind property owners who bought based on zoning at that time," he said.
Waddell, the current city councilman, said the city is exploring the issue and he is open to change.
The candidates were asked their stance on renovations to the Urbandale pool and the possible construction of a community center.
Waddell said he plans to wait for the results of a community recreation needs study before designating a specific facility as a priority.
"Our growth tells us that there may be more needs out there," he said.
In a perfect world, Pogge said he'd like to see both facilities and he thinks that with population growth, two facilities might be needed.
Getter said predictions call for the population in Urbandale's less-developed west side to match the east side of the interstate.
"We've got to be able to respond to the needs of both areas of the community," he said.
Forbes said repairs to the existing pool and construction of a community center are both expenses that would affect taxes. He said he's not against either, but cautions voters to recognize the impact on taxes.
The final question at the forum asked whether Urbandale should follow the lead of other communities in passing an ordinance that would further limit where child sex offenders may live. The current council has taken up this issue.
Mayoral candidate Andeweg, 43, an attorney, said city leaders are looking at an ordinance that provides little space for sex offenders to live within the city.
Forbes said he's in favor of an ordinance because public safety is the No. 1 priority.
In addition to expressing support, Getter said he didn't feel sorry for sex offenders not having a place to live in Urbandale because they should have thought twice before doing what they did.
Pogge took a different stance on this issue and said he's concerned about the rights of the individuals. He said the ordinances are contrary to the principle that once someone has served time, they are rehabilitated. If there are serious concerns about child sex offenders not being rehabilitated, then the legislature should look at lengthening prison sentences, Pogge said.
However, Pogge said that he does think the city needs to enact an ordinance because Urbandale can't be left unprotected and become a haven for convicts.
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